Things will be a little slow for a bit.

Sorry that I haven't posted. Things have been crazy here in the kitchen!  Not only did we have Thanksgiving but we got the word that we will be moving. When I say moving I mean MOVING!  We get the keys to our new home this Saturday!!  Ohhhhh my!  I've been very busy going threw things getting rid of what we don't need. Giving away a bunch of Lexi's out grown clothes. Over this coming weekend we will be moving all the boxes Ive packed and things we're not using right now, that includes my *washing machine*!!! Woooo Hoooo =)  I'll be able to go over tot he new place during the week and wash laundry. I know that doesn't seem like much to some people but being without a washer/dryer in my home for so long it's quite exciting to me LOL Next weekend we will be moving our beds ect. into the new place and will be staying there. I've given my notice here to my land lady. There has been a lot of good times here but it is time for my family to move on. I will miss my neighborhood friends though. I'm hoping this move goes smoothly for everyone. It's going to be a lot of work but so worth it. The kids are so excited about the move. They can't wait to have more space and their own yard to play in.
It's sure making it's way to winter here in New England. I heard we had our first snow yesterday. I chose not to look outside and pretend it didn't happen LOL.
So needless to say I will be pretty busy in the coming couple of weeks. not only with the move (and being without Internet for 8 days) but Christmas is coming. So once we get all our belongings into he new place we need to set up the tree and decorate. Ohhh boy.
So with all that said I will be playing quiet the catch up on my blog reading. I will be sore from moving and I will be stressing about the Holidays LOL
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Take Care!
Chris

Moving??

Could it be? Could this really be happening?? ...  I'm so trying not to get my hopes up but it's getting pretty hard. I got an email back from the nice man renting the mobile I mentioned in a previous post. He said he just needed to check our references both Hunny's and mine and we'll be "good to go!"  Oh my goodness this could really be happening! My brother even brought over boxes for me to pack. Of course the girls are so excited they've taken those boxes and packed some of their books in them. That's ok though they did a pretty good job too =)
So that's so big news here from the kitchen. I might have the opportunity bring you wonders from a new kitchen! We shall soon see. I've already gotten a couple calls from people saying they've been called for a reference. It's looking good!!

Sorry for no posting!

Just wanted to check in. Sorry I have been MIA for the past couple days. A lovely stomach bug made it's way threw the house. Boy that wasn't fun! Everyone is feeling better now thank goodness. It was only one of those 24 hour bugs but boy did it kick some booty.
I'll be doing some deal searching this evening seeing what deals I can find out there. Especially with the holidays coming every penny counts. We've already told the kids this Christmas is going to be very small. Money is very tight and the potential move added on to that makes it worse. Everyone is excited to move though. We found a place that would be perfect! Just waiting to hear from the landlord who is a super nice guy. We are hopeful we finally found our new home! Now it's just the waiting game which makes me so nervous LOL
So I'm off to go run some errands. Frozen pizza for supper tonight the kids are excited. Thankful I don't have an alarm clock waking me up in the morning =)
More to come later,
Chris

Lets see what I can find for some deals/steals or samples.

Lets see what I can find while Adrian is napping LOL

Here's a free sample of STAYFREE liners w/ Thermo Control!

Free Avery Shipping Labels!

Thanksgiving is coming up quick ButterBall has some printable coupons! Woo Hooo I can't wait!

Printable KFC coupon for a free drink or side w/ the purchase of a KFC Doublicious Sandwich!


OK I know it's just a couple baby woke up kids home from school 1 with a belly ache =( Oh boy!

Rain, Wind & Cold.. Cold, Wind & Rain!

     Gosh what's with this weather lately. It's enough to drive a sane woman crazy. Never know what to dress the kids in. One day it's warm enough for shorts the next they have their winter coats on. That's New England for you I guess. Today we have a wind advisory till noon, it's raining and pretty darn chilly!
     Cody isn't going to school today. He started feeling sick yesterday with a belly ache, you can all figure out what happened next no need for the details. I just wish it hadn't of happened ON Adrian! Oh my goodness that was bad! Of course the baby had no clue what nastiness had just happened to his little self. Poor Cody felt horrible. So needless to say I didn't get much sleep last night.
     Have quiet a bit to do around the house today. Need to hunt down a lost sneaker that disappeared over the weekend. Get my kitchen washed down, clean the bathroom, vacuum up stairs and down. Have a bit of laundry to be put away (already did some), I'd also like to find my dining room table that has seemed to have disappeared under a mountain of school work and miscellaneous stuff. Kinda wish I could just crawl back into bed and take a nap but that's not gonna happen LOL
Well this stuff isn't going to get done itself, time for some coffee and time to get crackin.
Hope your Monday is wonderful,
Chris

Crazy Saturday!

Hi all!
        Well today is not what I expected it would be. My wonderful mother in law came over while Hunny and I went to go look at another rental. Not expecting it to be anything special. We were quite surprised. The place didn't look very special from the outside, it needs some sprucing up but when you get inside it's pretty nice! It has 3 bedrooms! I haven't had my own bedroom in 13 years. I know that sounds strange to a lot of people but we've done what needed to be done. Best of all the master bedroom is larger than my living room is now!!  I honestly don't know what I'd do with all that space! The living room is almost twice the size as my current living room. The room that would be the girls bedroom has nice built ins and a vanity/desk. The room that would be for the boys is very small but enough room for a bunk bed (once Adrian gets old enough, till then he'll be with me). The dining room has built in cupboards and is plenty big enough for my large dining set. The kitchen has oodles of cupboards plenty of counter space and a pantry. The home is all 1 level which would be so much easier for me with my bum leg and bad back. I wouldn't have to worry about falling down the stairs (over and over again). It has washer and dryer hook-ups! It's really just perfect for our needs inside. The owner said we'd be more than welcome to plant flowers. Best of all...  He's willing to work with us with move in expenses!!  How awesome is that!!  Of course just like a lot of others money is tight. This man is willing to help us out and he's very friendly too. I'm pretty excited that we could passably be moving into a new place! He's just gonna run a background check and references the normal checks they do. The kids would still all be in the same schools, it's 2 minutes away from my Mama. I'm really trying not to get my hopes up though even though it's so hard! Something always happens when we try to do something like this. So cross your fingers for us I hope we're able to get this place! I'd appreciate it! =)
     I didn't get all my house cleaning done today that I wanted to. There's always tomorrow though. There really isn't too much to be done just want to get some things done. Just think though.. maybe I'll get the chance to go threw EVERYTHING while I pack to move =) There I go with the hoping again LOL 
     Well I really should be getting myself to bed here pretty soon. Lots that I really have to get done tomorrow. Don't forget Day Light Savings Time tonight, set those clocks back =)
Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday,
Chris

A few Samples.

OXY Clinical  Oxy is giving away single use Clinical products while supplies last.  OXY Clinical Clearning Treatment, OXY Clinical Hydrating Therapy and OXY Clinical Advanced Face Wash! 

Yankee Candle has a printable coupon out. Buy 2 get 2 FREE!  Now that's a great deal & the Holiday's are coming =) 

Yankee Candle also has a coupon out for $10.00 off a purchase of $25.00 or more. Not too shabby =)

Grab your coupon for a Free Renuzit Cone!  I use these int he bathroom they smell good and I don't have to worry about spraying air freshener. All you need to do is 'like' Renuzit on Facebook and print your coupon =)

CoffeeMate liquid creamer or powder $1.00 off coupon on their facebook page on the coupon page -printable. I love coffee & the Holiday flavors are out!! Wooo Hooo =)

Post-It is giving out free samples of their Post-It Flags and Tabs!  Maybe these would help keep me organized LOL

Sample of Purina One pet food for cats or dogs! Click on number 2 on their video presentation. =)

I know there's only a few here I'll be searching after I get some house cleaning done! =)
Hope this finds you well,
Chris

Crafting in the Kitchen is on Twitter!

Come check it out. I'm really enjoying getting back to twitter =)
Come follow me if you'd like!  @ CraftingKitchen  I'll follow you back =)

Some samples, deals and freebies =)

Here's a sample from BOSS Fragrance. Can't wait to get this one sounds nice =)



Wisk laundry soap is having a great give away! Check it out all you need to do it follow WISK on Twitter tweet @Wisk  about their #WiskGiveaway and your entered! Here's their legal rules n things =)

Check out Kohl's online. 3 day 50% off sale!! + $.99 standard shipping!!  =)

Printable $3.00 off Glade. Grab your before they're gone.

Sorry there isn't more this evening. Kids are being crazy so I'm on patrol LOL  Hope to get more tomorrow.
Have a good night all =)
Chris

Mmmmm supper

Just like I previously said in my earlier post Mama made a huge beef stew today with dinner rolls. I was going threw my brain files thinking about what to make for a desert. I knew I had some apples int he kitchen but what oh what to do with them. Then I remembered I had a few boxes of Jiffy Mix Corn Bread mix in the cupboard =) Hmm  Well it hit me... upside down apple cake.


I unfortunately didn't get pictures on the preparation but here's how it went =)
3-4 medium sizes apples of your choice.
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 dast of nutmeg
1 handfuls sliced almonds
Several droplets of butter
1 box Jiffy Corn Bread Mix.

Cut apples into slices, put in bowl add in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and almonds. Mix until apples are coated well. Put into a greased baking dish (I used an 8X8 and it came out pretty thin). Put the butter on top of the apple mixture in several spots. Set that a side. Then make the Jiffy Mix according to the instructions on the box. Layer the Jiffy Mix over the apples. Make sure to cover all the apples =)
Bake at 350 for about a half hour or until a knife can come out clean threw the cake and apples are tender. Invert onto a dish big enough to hold the cake. Be careful the pan is HOT (Yes I did get a knuckle LOL). All the yummy appley juices sink into the cake Mmmmm. I think the next time I make this I will use a smaller pan so it's thicker, still tastes good all the same.

I do wish I had a pretty display plate to present this yumminess but all I could find was my old pizza pan LOL I think this would be great with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or topped whip cream both wouldn't hurt either (I won't tell LOL)
Hope this post finds you all well,
Chris

Parent/Teacher conference day =)

Well today is parent teacher conference day at the elementary school/ no school for the kiddo's. I had my meetings with Cody and Lexi's teachers. They both went well. I am so excited. Both teachers like how they both look out for each other =) Makes me happy to know they only fight at home LOL  They both got great grades too! I was a little worried about Cody's English grade but he did well. We won't get Keisha's report card till Friday and I'm hoping for great progress as well.
Today is my Mama's day off from work and she's spending the day here =)  She's making a huge beef stew for everyone to share. It already smells so yummy, I can't wait till supper time.
Adrian just learned how to crawl so needless to say I'm on my toes today he's all over the place. I'll be picking up a couple baby gates this weekend. Don't need him crawling up the stairs or into the kitchen where he could get hurt. I'm also going to get some outlet plugs while I'm at it. It's been a while since I've had to baby proof the house.
Cody is finally feeling better and I think he'll be going to school tomorrow. Adrian has gotten a cough now so I'm watching him closely for weezing. He's still stuffed up though. Hoping he'll be feeling better in the next day or two. So far the girls are both feeling fine, I'm thankful for that!
Well I'm off to crawl around my floor to look for baby boo boo spots. Then I'll be back online searching for some more samples and deals.
Hope your day is wonderful,
Chris

Get your FREE Sample on! =)

Happy Halloween to everyone out there. I hope your Holiday has been super!  Been laying low here 2 sick boys and I was up all night. I'm sitting here watching Ghost Hunters Halloween Special and thought I'd throw some freebies out there for your viewing pleasure.

First we have a FREE Sample of Color Catchers. Boy do I love these things =) They have saved me more than a few times!

How about a FREE Measuring Tape.  I can never keep track of mine LOL Silly kids =)

Here's a great one for the Hubs out there. Tape Measure Pen! I'm thinking this would make a great stocking stuffer for Hunny! =)

As a suffer of asthma/COPD not the mention trying to fight hard to save the environment these SafeGuard products looks amazing!! Check them out!

How about sharing a cute little box of Kleenex with your friends! I sent a box to some people who are special to me =)

Oooo here's a free coffee cup from Digilake. I only have a couple coffee cups in the house and they are all Christmas cups! I'd love to have one without snowmen and Santa Clause LOL

Well there are a few freebies I found tonight. I think I'm gonna crawl into bed and watch Ghost Hunters from there. After being up all night with my sick boys I'm one tired Mama.

Goodnight & Sleep Tight,

Chris

Freebies ... Oh how I love thee =)

Ok, so it's Friday evening and I was looking around the www. for any news on some good freebies (Adrian is napping hee hee).
Well I came across a few I thought I'd throw out there.  Enjoy =)

First...

Lawry's is letting people try their Seasoning Meal Packets!  I've never had a chance to try any Lawry's products and thought this was great. I can't wait to get mine =)
Lawry's   Grab your before they run out!

Second...
Oriental Trading is giving out free 2011 calendarrs Wooo Hooo  They look nice too =)
Free 2011 calendarr from Oriental Trading!

Third..

Thomas Coffee sample. Oh how I love coffee, especially FREE coffee =)

Free Thomas Coffee

Fourth...

Touch n Go gift packs are available again! Woo hoo  Grab your before they're gone!

Touch & Go Gift pack!

Grab yours before they're gone!!

Fifth...

Betty Crocker FREE 2011 calendar.

Limited quanity grab yours fast! Betty Crocker 2011 Calander

TGIF! =)

Well it's Friday, I'm thankful. It's been a long week and I am grateful for the weekend. My Friday plans got all switched around. Cody was up very late not feeling well but he insisted he was going to school. He woke up feeling better still not 100% but today was Halloween party day at school. He was excited. Keisha is home from school again today. Not feeling well either but she seems to be doing better over the past couple hours.
When I went out to put Cody and Lexi on the bus and to my surprise I was left the wrong car today! YIKES! I was going crazy how was I to get the cupcakes to school. Thankfully my brother came to the rescue and took the cupcakes in for me! I'm missing the party and getting some great pictures but at least the little ones have their cupcakes =)
I've been busy this morning cleaning the disaster I made in the kitchen last night LOL  Such a little thing as cupcakes sure can make a mess. I sorted threw the dirty laundry so Hunny can take them off to be washed. How does a thing like laundry take up so much room? It's nice to see empty laundry baskets int he kids rooms, it doesn't take long for them to fill up again though LOL
What are your plans for the weekend?

Maple, cinnamon-sugar chicken

So I've been thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. I had to go threw what I had on hand. I need to get groceries bad! LOL So I came up with something I haven't made in a while...
Maple, cinnamon-sugar chicken tenders =) 


I haven't made them since this summer it's a usually requested dish for our B-B-Qs. Everyone loves them but they most certainly can be made in the house too!  These are so yummy I came up with the idea  a while back and they took off from there. Our friend Alden can't get enough of them hee hee! They're pretty simple to make also and can take one additions of 'hmm what's that' very well also. I've sometimes thrown in a little red pepper before for an added hmmm and it's wonderful.
This time I did the usual way I make them.

Here's all you need:
Chicken (whatever kind you like)
Maple syrup - enough to coat the chicken well,
Cinnamon-sugar enough to coat the chicken very well.

I haven't added any measurements because well... most of the time I don't measure anything and it all depends on how much chicken your using. So just kind of eyeball what you need it isn't a lot you need. Simple right. =)

Chicken tenders from the freezer,

Enough maple syrup to coat the chicken

A liberal sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar.



Let it sit to marinade (I'm doing mine early because I'm using frozen chicken but a good 2 hours will be enough.

When your ready to cook the chicken be sure to cook it low n slow there is a lot of sugar going on there and it will burn in seconds! Don't forget to add in all that yummy sauce that is with the chicken. I preheated a skillet with a little olive oil. If your grilling be sure to have the flame on low =)
Cook until the chicken is cooked threw, the sauce will thicken and create a glaze on the chicken.

Serve with your favorite side dish =)  Tonight I'm trying out some yummy looking rustic taters I found over at Domestically Obsessed!  They look sooo yummy =)

Hope you enjoy this recipe and try it out for yourself. If you do let me know! I'd love to hear how it came out =) Taste testing always welcome! Hee hee

The End!
Best Wishes,
Chris

Who has coffee on??

Oh you bet I do! What a night, I was up with Adrian late last night. He just did not want to go to sleep his schedule is so off right now. I'm trying hard to get him switched around but it's going to take a while. I just went up and woke him up slowly he's in a good mood and having a bubba. Keisha and Cody are both home from school today with sore throats. Yeah for cold and flu season (not!). Hope they're feeling better in a little while. Lexi went off to school like always happy as can be (it's crazy sock day today). She doesn't like missing school at all. She's the one who cries because she can't go the others cry because I want them too. It's funny how they're so different.
Tomorrow is the class Halloween parties at school. They're excited for those (I sure hope they're feeling better so they can go!). I need to make 2 dozen cupcakes for Lexi's class tonight. Need to ask my Mama to pick up some eggs for me though on her way home. I realized late last night I'm about out! How can I be out of eggs?! Sadly there is only 1 lonely egg in my frig right now. I had Lexi pick what kind to make, chocolate on chocolate as usual I don't know why I asked lol. I do have some really cute Halloween foils left over from last year so I will use those and some colorful sprinkles. They should come out great! 
Keisha is going Trick-or-Treating with a friend this year. This is the first year she won't be with us. She's getting so big 13 will be here before I know it. Hunny is going to take the little ones out while I stay home with the baby. At least that's the plan now.
My brother just stopped by and is letting me try a new Blackberry cell phone. I'm not a very tetchy person so this Blackberry stuff is all news to me. I know I'm so 10 years ago huh LOL. It's an older phone too I know there are so many new phones out there. Their names I couldn't even tell you but I will try out this Blackberry and see if I like it. I'm not one to text very much or anything like that so I'll just be using it as a regular phone. I think it's huge though I'm used to my little blue slide phone. If I do decide to use the Blackberry I might let Keisha use my slide.
So what's the plan for today?  I need to get some dishes done, organize the dirty laundry so Hunny can go to the laundry mat as wash it. No I do not have a washer or dryer at home, there are no hook-ups in the little apartment. We are looking to move though and it'd be like a dream to have a place that I can do laundry at home!  Eventually that perfect place will be found it's just going to take time. What else do I need to do today...  Figure out what I'm going to make for supper, new sheets on the beds and dust the downstairs. Cupcake making tonight. Then hopefully an early night with a rest full baby.
Hope your day is wonderful,
Chris

Lets hop on some FREE samples!

I was looking around the web today (go figure LOL) but I came across some great freebies =)  YIPPY!
I told ya I love free stuff didn't I? .. I did ok.. I didn't want to leave that out hee hee.
Well here's a a few that caught my eye. Check them out!  If the links don't work just copy & paste. I'm awful at links LOL  Enjoy =)

Tom's of Maine is giving away some samples of their awesome toothpaste. Who doesn't need extra toothpaste right. I know we go threw it like crazy.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/toms101470

Winter is coming and so is dry skin. I know that's very true for me. Everyday Health along with Vaseline are giving away sample of their Intensive Rescue® lotion. Sounds good to me. =)

https://www.everydayhealth.com/leadgen/vaseline/eh/ad/offer.aspx

Breathe Right is giving away a sample. Hmmm I wonder if they would help with Hunny's snoring... We'll see =)

http://www.breatheright.com/default.aspx

Hello from the Kitchen =)

Hey all, just Chris here. I've decided to start a new blog and I hope to make this blog more productive than my other. I'm expanding my blogs direction. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to do this. I love blogging and can't stop myself from reading others. I have a whole list of blogs that I read daily, yes daily can you tell I love them?! Hee hee =) 
I love all aspects of crafting .. anything from cooking & baking (yes I consider that a craft), decorating my home, I love reusing things to make them into something special. I sew, I draw, I'm really into anything old, furniture, vintage cookware, dishes, nicknack's all of it catches my eye. I'm really into the primitive county look. I just wish my house was big enough to hold everything I find LOL
Spending time with family and friends is very important to me. I love having people over. My children are my world I have 4. Keisha is 12, Cody just turned 8, Lexi is 6 and my baby boy Adrian just turned 8 months. They all keep me busy but I wouldn't change a thing. I've been married to Hunny for almost 9 years now even though it feels like yesterday sometimes =)
So with that all said I hope my new ideas spread to all corners of the earth.. Ok, well maybe inspire others to break out of the box a little.  Although if anyone wants to do my dishes for me I'm more than game for that... LOL
Check back soon I'll be posting as much as possible. If my ears or eyes catch any great deals or freebies know I will spread the word. If I make up any new yummy foods they'll be here you can count on it. If my day is boring and uneventful, well I'll just letcha know =)  I really do hope this blog of mine makes it's way to other computer screens hee hee.
Best Wishes for a wonderful day =)
Chris!